Maid in America

Latest News

Washington, D.C. — Nonresidential construction spending fell 2 percent in January, which is the largest setback to spending since January 2014, according to the March 2 release from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, at $614.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis, nonresidential construction spending still is 4.8 percent higher than one year ago. In addition, the spending estimate for December 2014 was revised downward from $627.1 billion to $627 billion and November's figure was revised from $624.8 billion to $621.9 billion.

Cleveland — Buildings that rock during an earthquake and return to plumb would withstand seismic shaking better than structural designs commonly used in vulnerable zones of California and elsewhere, a Case Western Reserve University researcher has found. Those buildings would also be more easily and cheaply repaired and put back into use more quickly, said Michael Pollino, an assistant civil engineering professor at Case School of Engineering.

Seattle — Mayor Ed Murray launched Move Seattle, his 10-year vision for transportation in Seattle. The plan integrates Seattle’s many travel modes to better support everyone, whether walking, biking, riding transit, driving a car or delivering freight. With a strong emphasis on safety, maintenance, innovation, and performance measurement, the plan aims to improve travel even as the city continues to grow rapidly.

Broomfield, Colo. — 100 Resilient Cities (100RC), Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, announced a new partnership with MWH Global, an engineering, consulting and construction firm focused on water and natural resources, which will provide advisory and technical support services to improve water and wastewater systems and address other water-related risks in 100RC member cities.

Austin, Texas — Three months after Texas voters approved Proposition 1, adding $1.74 billion to the state highway fund, the Texas Transportation Commission approved construction of 201 road projects. Among the projects slated to begin work are more than 800 miles of rehabilitated highways; nearly 500 miles of new highway lanes; 64 bridge replacements; and 18 lane-widening enhancements that will add 159 miles of passing lanes to rural highways.

Washington, D.C. — A 10 cents-per-gallon state gas tax increase signed into law Feb. 25 by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (R) is the latest in a series of initiatives recently put forward by state governments to boost infrastructure funding, according to a new report from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

New York — CG/LA Infrastructure Inc. announced the recipients of its 2015 Global Projects of the Year Awards during the 8th Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. All projects were presented at the Leadership Forum and the winners were selected in five categories by industry executives around the world.

Roxborough, Colo. — The Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) announced a new Board of Directors for 2015-2016. ECTC members have elected Diane Hitt (East Coast Erosion Blankets, LLC) as Chairman, Jerry Bohannon (American Excelsior Co.) as Vice Chairman, and Jeff Ward (Central Fiber LLC) as Secretary/Treasurer. Tim Lancaster (North American Green) and Scott Harrison (Terra Novo) will serve as at-large directors of the ECTC Board of Directors.

Philadelphia — Pennoni, an ENR Top 100 engineering, science, and design consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, acquired the assets of the civil engineering firm Jones-Stuckey Ltd., Inc. based in Ohio. The firm will now do business as Jones-Stuckey, a Pennoni Company. Founded in 1965, Jones-Stuckey provides transportation, bridge, water/wastewater, water resources, structural and construction engineering inspection services.